I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers. - Ralph Nader
What a wonderful statement, this. Ironically, most people in today's organizations would never ever want to be a leader if this is what real leaders will be held accountable for. They'd rather be control freaks who get to be the ultimate authority on things that matter...and of course, grab as much fame as possible! Sad! :(
3 comments:
There's 2 kinds of people in this world. Those who lead and those who don't. Leadership style is particularly not very relevant is to a great extent is a function of the psychographics of those who are led. There are followers with whom you can't get the job done if your are not a control freak. And there are followers who are leaders in that they are highly self directed people. They would spit on your face if you try to micromanage and do extremely well if left alone.
Like everything else, it "depends".
There is thing called fear, which permeates people and prevents them from doing what Ralph Nader proposes. People inherently believe that the growth of others will reduce their importance in any field of activity and therefore are keen on promoting self interests over anything else. Ever wondered where nepotism came from? True leaders are not worried about anything. They have a level of confidence, maturity and balance that will carry them, no matter the circumstances. It will be true learning experience working with such people and those are the memories that people will always cherish.
Samba: Thanks for that practical perspective! Agreed that some people need to be micro-managed. But, something tells me that even such people can be transformed into more responsible souls when they are trusted and understood....of course, it will be a long process and requires a lot of patience which today's organizations have no stock of.
Sathya: Agree! Fear.....that's the word...Insecurity....that's another word....And....yes, how I'd love to work with the kind of leader you're referring to! Sigh! :( Actually, come to think of it, I have indeed had the opportunity to work with a couple of such leaders...!!
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